“I think it’s over for now, probably until after the Levy on May 3rd” stated councilman John Kessler after the lengthy and contentious council meeting that pitted 4 members who seek what they believe to be fair and equitable compensation against 3 members who feel that Council’s compensation package should revert to 1977 levels ($1,000) eliminating health care benefits that have been quoted at costing tax payers between $45k and $70k to cover all 7 members of Council each year.
A lot of work for $268 bucks
“Adjusted for inflation, the $1,000 in compensation that was voted on by Council in 1977 is currently worth $268 bucks” shared Kessler, “and in today’s dollars is worth $3,555”. Kessler continued his talking points adding that residents have asked him why haven’t councilman Budding and councilwoman Black refused the healthcare opt-out payment of $1,800 (like Gibson), and why some council members are so focused on cutting back what amounts to 0.2% of the entire City Budget. “I’ll not be held hostage or be a part of this bullying and political posturing”, shared an impassioned Kessler.
The Great Compromise
Councilman Budding stated that he is not trying to protect “his $1,800” relating to the opt-out payment he received in lieu of accepting the health insurance. Rather, Budding proposed an amendment to Mr. Gibson’s proposal that would allow the healthcare benefits to terminate at the end of a members term, allowing President Hale to retain his healthcare benefits until the end of his term. Gibson seconded the motion to allow discussion on the subject.
Whistle Blows
In what could only be considered a procedural call by Joe Moore, council’s law director, came a determination that the amendment proposed by Budding would substantially change the motion reverting the vote to a “first reading” versus the “second reading” of the current and unchanged motion. This would mean that the change in the ordinance would receive a second reading in two weeks, strangely coinciding with the planned absence of one of the members of Council (Black).
Budding’s Compromise Seconded, then Withdrawn
Councilman Gibson, now finding that his second to Budding’s motion would just end in a failed vote in two weeks withdrew his second, allowing Budding’s amendment to die for lack of a second. “Technically this is a part time job” shared Gibson as he related to the time spent as a Council member. “There are alot of part time employees out there without health insurance, in fact there are alot of full-time employees out there without health insurance” continued Gibson who also mentioned that EMS and fire fighters don’t receive healthcare benefits for their part time work, “A majority of council can obtain health insurance through other means, their spouse, or their own job”. And in closing Gibson said, “And… I don’t know who is bullying (relating to Kessler’s comments) here. Compromise was proposed, … I would have not seconded the motion if I did not think so”.
We Are Not Common Criminals
Councilman Lovett provided his thoughts on the subject, “I do not support the plan to have Council work for less than minimum wage. I spend over 300 hours a year working on Council matters”. Lovett expressed concern that with compensation set at $1,000/year each member of Council would earn $3,30/hr… less than common criminals (while in jail). “While some out there would consider members of Council no better than common criminals, I do not share that opinion”, stated Lovett.
Lovet continued, roiling through his prepared notes, “true volunteers are not responsible for a $35 million dollar budget” and in defense of a fair compensation plan for Council, “… we pay people to produce good results, and I think that is what residents want”. In closing, Lovett stated that he believes that compensation should be set against other communities of like size.
Black, Should not be One Issue
Councilwoman Black had little to say regarding the healthcare squabbling. “This was part of my campaign, but I do not think we should be talking about pay and insurance as one issue”, relating to how Councilman Hale proposed the elimination of healthcare with a sidecar increase of cash compensation (from $1,000 to $5,000).
Hale (and Clay) Defines Compromise
“I started this whole ball rolling about 6 weeks ago” stated Hale, “If Council wants to consider compensation to be set at $3,000 or $4,000 and not the $5,000 that I initially proposed, that can be decided in the future”. Hale continued, “A good friend of mine stated that a perfect compromise is when both parties come away unhappy”. (Actually this quote came from Henry Clay, the Great Compromiser) Hales comments appeared to be in support of a compromise on the healthcare issue, as well as a compromise on the compensation amount. In closing, Hale shared that while Councilman Gibson believes that “many” in the community want to see Council vote away health insurance, they have only received 6 letters/emails from residents and more than half of those were in favor of elimination of healthcare along with the increase in pay (Hale’s initial plan). And what of the Tippecanoe Gazette’s request for Letters to the Editor on the subject. None were received.
Mayor Gillis – This Is Not Compromise
Mayor Gillis responded to the comments “I am willing to listen to and consider any compromise (that allows for fair compensation)”. And tersely, “This is not compromise, and I will not be voting for this.”
Hale Returns Fire
“What I take umbrage with Mr. Gibson is that somehow he has a bigger commitment to the community (because he turns down health insurance and opt-out benefits) than the rest of the members of Council” shared Hale, “This is my 6th year on council and I am trying to do the best job I can for Tipp City”. And regarding the cuts being suggested by Gibson, “We have made substantial, real cuts in spending and staffing this year, and yet we have not asked any of our staff to take a 90% reduction in compensation” If passed, the change in the ordinance would eliminate 90% of the benefits/compensation currently being received by Council.
Hale called for the Roll
Gibson, Black and Budding vote Yes, Hale, Lovett, Gillis and Kessler vote No. The ordinance to eliminate healthcare for City Council members does not pass.
We spoke with Joe Gibson after the session and asked him about what transpired, his response, “Council just voted in the best interests of 4 instead of 10,000”. I further questioned councilman Gibson about whether or not he sees this ordinance being brought up again in this legislative session, his reply, “If council membership changes in any way this November, I will be sure to re-introduce this measure in the next legislative session.
